the overarching argument to an essay, supported by the entire text

a piece of writing that explains and develops your own argument

the tools a playwright uses to create drama. Examples are setting, stage directions, dialogue and language choices

to make and add notes or short explanations to texts or images

an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways to fully explore the complexity

'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement

English

In 'Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils develop a clear understanding of the plot, main characters and themes of the novella. In the second exploration unit, 'Animal Farm: Barriers to Leadership', pupils undertake more nuanced analysis of the pigs grasp for power.

In 'Lord of the Flies', pupils explore how power corrupts and destroys communities. 'In Animal Farm: The Pigs and Power', pupils focus on how power corrupts the pigs, leading to the downfall of their utopian dream.

In this unit, pupils start their exploration of the characters, themes and ideas in 'An Inspector Calls'. They first look at the key context behind the play, before exploring each of the main characters and themes. They finally plan and write an essay about the role of responsibility in the play.

Modern text: first study

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

A piece of writing that explains and develops an argument.

Overarching argument to an essay, supported by whole text.

First sentence of a paragraph, giving it direction/purpose.

You will write a number of essays about the play 'An Inspector Calls'. Match the essay term to its definition.

to write topic sentences you can use in an essay

to make and add notes or short explanations

to write down the notes you made on the play onto the essay question

to re-write the essay question in your own words

When given an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls', you should annotate it. What does it mean to annotate an essay question?

Many essay questions about 'An Inspector Calls' will start with the word "How". What does the "How" in an essay question refer to?

Here is an essay question about 'An Inspector Calls': 'How does Priestley use the character of Eric to explore ideas about responsibility?' What are the key words in the question?

a thesis statement is supported by the whole text

a thesis statement must include quotations

a topic sentence will focus on one specific idea in a text

a topic sentence shouldn't be argumentative, unlike a thesis

In what ways is a thesis statement different to a topic sentence?

No - it is not supported by the whole text

"An Inspector Calls' begins in the Birlings' "comfortable" dining room, immediately establishing the characters' class and wealth.' Is this sentence a thesis statement?

The Birlings celebrate Sheila and Gerald’s engagement.

Inspector Goole arrives, announcing Eva Smith’s suicide.

Mr. Birling admits he fired Eva from his factory.

Sheila confesses to having Eva fired out of jealousy.

Gerald reveals his affair with Eva, straining his engagement.

Mrs. Birling rejects Eva’s plea for help at the charity.

Eric admits responsibility for Eva’s pregnancy and theft of his father's money.

Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'An Inspector Calls' into chronological order.

the dialogue a writer includes to express the characters' thoughts and feelings

a synonym for a 'motif' - a recurring symbol in a text

an idea that is explored in a text in a number of different ways

Many themes are explored in 'An Inspector Calls. What is a theme?

Which character from 'An Inspector Calls' is described as both "shy" and "assertive" in the stage directions?

In 'An Inspector Calls' which character admits to feeling "ashamed" about their involvement with Eva Smith?

In 'An Inspector Calls', which character dismisses the idea of community and social responsibility as "nonsense"?

Sheila's remorse after discovering her role in Eva's death.

Mrs. Birling's refusal to help Eva Smith because of her social status.

The Inspector’s criticism of the Birlings' lack of social responsibility.

Eric’s anger at his family’s treatment of Eva Smith.

Which of the following is an example of prejudice in 'An Inspector Calls'?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

'An Inspector Calls' : annotating essay questions and writing a thesis statement

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.